The Movement. The Mission. The People Behind the Film.

The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary shares the untold stories of women shaping the future of cybersecurity, intelligence, and protective services.

What began as a film has become a global effort—to amplify voices, challenge outdated narratives, and build a more inclusive industry for the next generation.

TWISD Documentary Interview
TWISD Documentary Interview
TWISD Documentary Interview
TWISD Documentary Interview

In an industry historically dominated by men,

The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary brings to life the often untold stories of women who have shaped — and continue to reshape — the landscape of cybersecurity, physical security, intelligence, and protective services.

Through candid interviews, reenactments of pivotal moments in history, and real-world insights, this documentary shines a light on the resilience, leadership, and innovation that women bring to every part of the security world.

This film isn’t just about visibility — it’s about building a future where women aren’t the exception, but the norm.

hair and makeup prep for the film

Our Mission

The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary isn’t just a film — it’s a platform for change. Our mission is to spark conversations, challenge outdated thinking, and make space for women in every part of the security industry.

Here’s what we stand for:

✔️ Amplifying the voices and stories of women shaping security today
✔️ Inspiring the next generation of women leaders to step in and lead
✔️ Breaking down the stereotypes and barriers that hold diversity back
✔️ Proving that security is stronger, smarter, and more innovative when women are part of it

The security industry has made progress, but challenges remain. This film is both a celebration of what’s been accomplished and a call to action to make this field more welcoming, more representative, and more prepared for the future.

Our Story

When Bonnie Michelman began her career, she never imagined becoming one of the first women to lead in global security or the critical role she’d play during terrorist attacks and a global pandemic. Half a world away, Victoria Ekhomu was building her own path in an industry few women dared to enter, facing personal and professional risks, including being kidnapped.

Their journeys, and those of so many others, are at the heart of this film.

This documentary captures the rise of women leaders across physical security, cybersecurity, and risk management and examines the barriers that still exist today. It explores how a more diverse workforce doesn’t just improve inclusion; it strengthens our ability to keep people safe.

A Global Effort

The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary is powered by the collaboration of over 200 security professionals around the world, direct donations through social media, and the generous support of production sponsors and partners.

Filming the Women in Security Set

Special Thanks

This project would not have been possible without the generosity, support, and spirit of collaboration from incredible partners:

  • David Ellenstein, Denise Young, and the North Coast Repertory Theatre for providing rehearsal space, wardrobe, props, and invaluable support.

  • Rising Tides Creative for their creative contributions.

  • SEAS Productions for providing essential production space and equipment.

  • Our amazing catering team: Angelique Shlemon, Abbey's Real Texas BBQ, and The Red Chickz of Carlsbad, CA — thank you for keeping our cast and crew energized and focused.

Cast on the Women in Security Set

TWISD Film Production Team

Meet the Stars

Marene Allison | Retired CISO of Johnson & Johnson, Cyber Advisor, Strategic Business Advisor, President West Point Women • Nicole Buratovich | Sr. Manager, Program Management | Culture & Wellness, Amazon • Stacey Champagne | Founder & CEO, Hacker in Heels • Dr. Stephanie Carter | Principal, Compliance Advisory • Andrea Chedas | Head of Corporate Security, Wealthsimple • Lynn de Vries | Partner, DutchRisk • Lynn Dohm | Executive Director, WiCyS • Dr. Victoria Ekhomu | Chairman/CEO, TRANSWORLD SECURITY SYSTEMS & President, School of Management & Security • Aarti Gadhia | Enterprise Account Executive, Sysdig • Karen Gispanski | Senior Director of Enterprise Cyber Security, Millennium Healthcare • Tia Hopkins | Chief Cyber Resilience Officer & Field CTO, eSentire • Dr. Valerie Lyons | Chief Operations Officer, BH Consulting • Melissa Mack | Managing Director, Pinkerton • Constance Matthews Reynolds | Founder & CEO, ReynCon • Paula Mendes | Associate Director, Pinkerton • Bonnie Michelman | Vice President/Chief Security Officer, Mass General Brigham • Niamh Vianney Muldoon | EMEA CISO & Innovation Lead, BNY • Karen Nemani | AWS Security Delivery Practice Canada, Amazon Web Services (AWS) • Mackenzie Phillips | Senior Manager, Security & Loss Prevention, Amazon • Mindy Pretzman | US Secret Service (Retired) • Sarah Stone | Director, Pinkerton Consulting & Investigations • Danielle Weddepohl | Director, Public Safety and Emergency Management, George Brown College

Resilient Features

Resilient Features conducted interviews, podcasts and an entire conference for The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary, and while not everyone made Yvette’s final cut, they will all find a home here at our website.   Thank you to each of them! 

Gloria Ayika | Retired Principal Manager Security, Nigerian Ports Authority • Kelly Bond | Partner, Davis Mergers & Acquisitions Group • Kehkashan Dadwani | Senior Director, Cybersecurity • Alice DiSanto | Vice President of Global Marketing, Rajant • Dr. Linda Florence, CPP | Founder, The Florence Group LLC • Brittany Galli | C-Suite Advisor and Strategist, BFG Ventures • Mary Gamble | Global Security Leader, Community Advocate • Mike Gips | Principal, Global Insights in Professional Security (GIPS) • Merlin Guilbeau, IOM | Executive Leader, Security Industry Advocate • David Koenig | Partner, Capital Lock, Inc. (Retired) • Nicola Oakie | Vice President of Sales, Netwatch North America • Natasha Ryan | Director of Engagement and Communications, Stronger Families • Allison Sands | Founder and President, Project Hummingbird • Gilad Solnik | Director, Global Security & Loss Prevention, Amazon • Sheryl Tricocci | Regional Director, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Investigations • Angela White | Past President, Electronic Security Association

 TWISD Cast List

Director: Yvette Freeman
Written by: Yvette Freeman, Anne Saita & Richard Ticho
Executive Producer: Richard Ticho
Co-produced by: Kyle Lawrence Wright, Mike Gips & Anne Saita
Edited by: Kyle Lawrence Wright
Music by: Kennard Ramsey

The Reenactment Crew:
Yvette Freeman – Director
Kyle Lawrence Wright – Producer/Editor
Andrew Barrack – Director of Photography
Anthony Engaldo – Camera Operator
Tom Conyers – Camera Operator
Erica Armenta – Sound
Rachel Gallenberger – Hair/Makeup
Whitney Wood – Assistant Hair/Makeup
Sharon Anthony-Ticho – Wardrobe
Collin Worrel – Graphics & Production Technician
JuanCarlos Meza – Production Technician
Soren Engen – LED Production Technician (LED Wall)

Featured Cast Members

Bringing historic and modern-day moments to life:

  • Hannah Cameron as Kate Warne, Marene Allison and Gayla Wick

  • Lizzie Morse as Bonnie Michelman

  • Jadah Fabri as Martha and “Booth Babe”

  • Hunter Linton as Marene’s Director, Bonnie’s Co-Worker #1, Conference Attendee and Male Diner Patron

  • Matt Shuster as Allan Pinkerton, Dealer, Bonnie’s Co-Worker #2 and Conference Attendee

  • Kyle Lawrence Wright and Richard Ticho as Extras

  • David Ellenstein, Denise Young, and the North Coast Repertory Theatre for providing rehearsal space, wardrobe, props, and invaluable support. 

    And thank you to Angelique Shlemon and the Shlemon family for the catering!

Advisory
Board

Min Kyriannis • Susan Melnicove • Cynthia “Cindi” P. Conlon • Christina Duffey • Bryn Palena • Deyanira Juliet Murga • Lisa Oliveri • Miranda Coppoolse • Bonnie Butlin • Suzanna Alsayed • Eddie Reynolds • Lauren Zink • Zinet Kemal • Amelia Cohen • Cara Wolf • Kerissa Varma • Hilary Walton • Nev Kent • Gigi Agassini • Karen Lawrence Öqvist • Joy Beland • Didar Gelici • Karen Worstell • Lucy Engel • Jacqui Loustau • Dr. Carrine Teoh Chooi Shi • Moufida Rima • Nancy Muriithi • Mario Doyle • M. Brian Reid • Ken Underhill • Damien Manuel • Rose Littlejohn • Eduardo Jany • Liz Robert • Tanya Spencer • Allison Wylde • Susan Munn • Regis Becker • Janet Napolitano • Richard Chase • Eduard Emde • Godfried Hendriks • F. Mark Geraci • Shirley A Pierini • Ray O’hara

Featured Interviewees:
Marene Allison • Nicole Buratovich • Stacey Champagne • Dr. Stephanie Carter • Andrea Chedas • Lynn Dohm • Dr. Victoria Ekhomu • Aarti Gadhia • Karen Gispanski • Tia Hopkins • Dr. Valerie Lyons • Melissa Mack • Constance Matthews Reynolds • Paula Mendes • Bonnie Michelman • Niamh Vianney Muldoon • Karen Nemani • Mackenzie Phillips • Mindy Pretzman • Sarah Stone • Danielle Weddepohl

Interviewees, Panelists & Podcasters:
Gloria Ayika • Kelly Bond • Kehkashan Dadwani • Lynn de Vries • Alice DiSanto • Dr. Linda Florence, CPP • Brittany Galli • Mary Gamble • Mike Gips • Merlin Guilbeau, IOM • David Koenig • Nicola Oakie • Natasha Ryan • Allison Sands • Gilad Solnik • Sheryl Tricocci • Angela White

Interview Candidates and Advisors:
Gigi Agassini • Christina Alexander • Suzanna Alsayed • Illena Armstrong • Jillian Bateman • Joy Belinda Beland • Gabrielle Botbol • Joyce Brocaglia • Bonnie Butlin • Amelia Cohen • Cindi Conlon • Miranda Coppoolse • Mario Doyle • Sandy Cowie • Jennie Cox • Christina Dennis • Stefanie Drysdale • Jothi Dugar • Ibukun Emmanuel • Lucy Engel • Yong Hwee Fong • Mari Galloway • Didar Gelici • Genevieve Frydman • Martin Gill • Alexandra Godoi • Kasia Hanson • Vanessa Henri • Alexandra Hoffmann • Mike Howard • Brian Hubbard • Bradley Hughes • Dawn-Marie Hutchinson • Ivca Kaiserova • Courtney H. Jackson • Juhi Ramireddi • Rujuta Karkhanis • Zinet Kemal • Nev Kent • Andrew Koslovski • Donna Krache • Min Kyriannis • Kasia L. Hanson • Kimberly Landgraf • Steve Lasky • Grant Lecky • Rose Littlejohn • Carrie Lobello • Jacqui Loustau • Camilla Lundahl • Damien Manuel • Tom McAndrew • Charquetta McCoy • Vashita Mehra • Susan Melnicove • Jessica Messersmith • Mel T. Migriño • Jamie Jones Miller • Connie Moorhead • Elisa Mula • Deyanira Murga • Norma Dene Murphy • Nancy Muriithi • Carla Naude • Irene Njoroge • Peter J. O'Neil • Lee Odess • Raymond O'Hara • Tina Liisa Ohlhaber • Lisa Oliveri • Bryn Palena • Troy Peters • Kimberley St. Pierre • Esha Ponnappa • Lisa Porterfield • M. Brian Reid • Eddie Reynolds • Ty Richmond • Elizabeth Robert • Deborah Saffer • Esty Scheiner • Marc Siegel • Kimberley Smathers • Melissa Solomon • Reem Faraj Al-Shammari • Megan Spielvogel • Ginger Spitzer • Francine Staple • Rachel Wyatt-Swanson • Carrine Teoh • Mansi Thapar • Dana-Marie Thomas • Carol Torres • Kenneth Underhill • Kerissa Varma • Vandana Verma • Hilary Walton • Angela White • Simone Williams • Caroline Wong • Karen Worstell • Weijia Yan • Lauren Zink

Oceanside Interview Crew

Venue: SEAS Productions, Oceanside, CA
Fale Luis: Director of Photography
Kyle Lawrence Wright: Camera Operator
Josh Sjoen: Audio Engineer
Julian Lopez: Audio Engineer
Nicole Aquiar: Makeup Artist

Thank you to the crew at SEAS Productions!

Jacksonville Crew

Venue: TheLobbyJax Studio, Mayport Rd, Jacksonville, Florida
Maria Teresa Leon de Bracomte: Hair and Makeup
Billy Brandon: Camera, Grip, Associate Producer
Steve Scarborough: Camera, Grip, Associate Producer
Cliff Stoner: Sound Producer
Michel Jaumin: Executive
HDWorldMedia: PA/grip, Cameras, Pre and Post Production

Lagos Crew

Venue: FILMONE Studios
Barbara Babarinsa: Location Producer
Munirat A. Oyedele: Production Manager
Samuel Jonathan: Director of Photography
David Walter: Gaffer
Olabode Odeyemi: Sound Engineer
Alakpa Uduoghene: Makeup Artist/hair
Samuel Adegunleye-Tordue: DIT

Dublin Crew

Venue: The Coop, Dublin
Colin Norris: Producer
Tommy Fitzgerald: Director of Photography
Zack Henderson: Camera Assistant

Kennard would like to thank:
• Henry Ordaz Ortega-Score – Mix Engineer

Kyle would like to thank:
• Samantha Wright and his beautiful family
• Gregory Santos – Computer Engineer
• Aaron David Roberts and the Rising Tides Creative Team
• Rich Varville – Re-recording Mixer

Yvette would like to thank:
• Eric Johnson and Lanny Hartley – Narration Engineers

Richard would like to thank everyone who made a contribution to the making of this film — especially Sharon Anthony-Ticho, Gilad Solnik, our production partners, and all our sponsors:
SEAS Productions, Finest City Entertainment, Rising Tides Creative, Massachusetts General Hospital, Electronic Security Association, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), ASIS International, Sysdig, PINKERTON | Comprehensive Risk Management, and Amazon.

And more than 200 security professionals from around the globe!

Made Possible By You

The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary is more than a documentary — it’s a community-driven effort. Every interview shared, every reenactment staged, every frame captured is a testament to the belief that women’s voices deserve not just to be heard, but celebrated.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported this project and to everyone who believes in building a stronger, more inclusive future for security.

There are so many ways to help move this mission forward.
Whether it's sponsoring future screenings, hosting an event, sharing the film, or simply spreading the word , your support matters.

Join us in creating a future where every woman in security knows she belongs.